Global Mining Investing is a reference eBook to teach investors how to think and act as investors with a underlying theme of managing risk. The book touches on a huge amount of content which heavily relies on knowledge that can only be obtained through experience...The text was engaging, as I knew the valuable outcome was to be a better thinker and investor.

While some books (such as Coulson’s An Insider’s Guide to the Mining Sector) focus on one particular commodity this book (Global Mining Investing) attempts (and does well) to cover all types of mining and commodities.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

The latest headline “US Fed sees signs of economic upturn” by Rob Lever, SMH Online, 21st May 2009 has the US Fed recognising "tentative evidence" that the US economy is emerging from recession and could show modest growth in the second half of 2009. By way of our analysis, suggests a new low in US Fed delusion. How possibly could the US be looking at turning around when it’s just about to experience a re-setting of mortgage loans. Remember the sub-prime crisis. Well there is an equally large problem facing US mortgagees – the resetting of those ‘teaser’ interest rates to market rates. Now, I must concede that those interest rates are not going to reset at troublesome rates in the short turn, but with the Fed and central banks around the world pumping money into the banking system, the day is not too far away that we are going to experience some inflationary pressures. Just as governments have been stripping out costs to reduce taxation, now we are going to see consumers or households facing higher costs, higher inflation, partially for the sake of debt sustainability, and partly because there is so much paper money in the market which is not supported by current levels of economic activity.The Fed revised its economic outlook to suggest US output would fall 1.3-2.0% over 2009, and that the worst declines may be over. Well that does not surprise me. If you are ‘high’ on economic stimulus there is no question people are going to feel good about a stabilisation of asset prices, but at some point inflation is going to take its toll on household’s purchasing power. The notion that “there are improvements in financial and credit markets” only highlights the fact that the Fed and other central banks have been recapitalising the banks using taxpayer money, and rather then using the proceeds to lend to households, who are already indebted, the banks have been speculating in the securities markets, driving up security prices. This will come to an end at some point soon, and we will be looking at another volatile downtrend through 2009-2010 as interest rates move higher.US economic output fell by 6.1% in the March quarter of 2009 after a 6.3% fall in Dec-08 quarter. They are serious hits to the market, but more will follow. There is at least some recognition that this is crisis is not over. The Fed projects unemployment to rise from 8.9% in 2008 (a 25-year high) to 9.2-9.6% in 2009.The Fed expects inflation to hold at 0.6-0.9% in 2009. I have never believed in inflation numbers because you only have to look at how they define the concept. Any measure of inflation that does not consider all asset prices, excludes the most important components like securities, food and energy, is just trying to plan delusional games betting on Chinese deflationary impacts. A sudden loss of economic capacity is going to result in higher fixed costs to all production. There is no escaping that, though if you are selective in your inflationary analysis, you can of course opportunistically consider energy and asset prices, which have been falling...but not for much longer. The reality is – inflation as defined is manipulated, so give it no heart.Now for those of your with a sense of humour. The Fed is forecasting “modest growth” of 2-3% in 2010. Wow, that is quite a turnaround. You might be inclined to believe that there is no reason why this market cannot just turnaround like it did in years past. Afterall as long as the Fed and other central banks shore up the banking system, what it to stop Western governments from sustaining this delusion for years to come. I think there are several issues which can stop them:1. War2. Pandemic3. Debt levelsThe international political environment is pretty tense, but there is probably little prospect of war or further substantial military action at this point since oil prices have fallen significantly. A pandemic is a threat to consumer spending, though I would suggest any threat is likely to be short lived. It might actually be expected to affect the financial system more than the real economy. My analysis is that it will cause short term financial volatility, which will probably knock a few more financial institutions out of the market, but that the market will recover from a bird/swine flu based pandemic. We will stock up on food, hide in our houses for a few weeks as it sweeps the world, and on that basis it will die out, and become a less virulent strain.Debt levels remain the biggest obstacle to the sustainability of the current economy. Even if tax increases can be delayed a few years, it will only result in government debt being rising to the same levels of household debt. With many households already having lost a lot of equity in their homes in recent times, causing the biggest mass transfer of wealth (as a % of GDP) in history, who would expect a recovery? This at a time when governments are moving to consumption-based taxation. Who understands the logic of these people? Well of course its a desire for short term political power, and taking every expedient step to preserve it.--------------------------------------------------Andrew Sheldon www.sheldonthinks.com

Over the years, this ebook has been enhanced with additional research to offer a comprehensive appraisal of the Japanese foreclosed property market, as well as offering economic and industry analysis. The author travels to Japan regularly to keep abreast of the local market conditions, and has purchased several foreclosed properties, as well as bidding on others. Japan is one of the few markets offering high-yielding property investment opportunities. Contrary to the 'rural depopulation' scepticism, the urban centres are growing, and they have always been a magnet for expatriates in Asia. Japan is a place where expats, investors (big or small) can make highly profitable real estate investments. Japan is a large market, with a plethora of cheap properties up for tender by the courts. Few other Western nations offer such cheap property so close to major infrastructure. Japan is unique in this respect, and it offers such a different life experience, which also makes it special. There is a plethora of property is depopulating rural areas, however there are fortnightly tenders offering plenty of property in Japan's cities as well. I bought a dormitory 1hr from Tokyo for just $US30,000.You can view foreclosed properties listed for as little as $US10,000 in Japan thanks to depopulation and a culture that is geared towards working for the state. I bought foreclosed properties in Japan and now I reveal all in our expanded 350+page report. The information you need to know, strategies to apply, where to get help, and the tools to use. We even help you avoid the tsunami and nuclear risks since I was a geologist/mining finance analyst in a past life. Check out the "feedback" in our blog for stories of success by customers of our previous reports.

The Philippines property market remains one of the strongest in Asia thanks to rising incomes, rising population and rapid rates of urbanisation. The administrative reforms of the Arroyo government have given way to improved administration under Aquino. ASEAN countries can be expected to achieve even greater price gains than Western markets, demonstrating that this super cycle is far from over. Buying Philippines Property 2010 - Downloadthe table of contents or buy this 2-volume eBook at our online store for just $US19.95.

Investment Strategy

If you are investing for the long term, you still need an investment strategy. Dont be fooled by the rhetoric of fund managers. The reason they advise you to 'buy & hold' is because they dont want to compete with you in sell-offs. Markets and industrial sectors are cyclical, so they demand trading to get the best returns. Fund managers actually cant hope to match the performance of small investors (if you are half good) because they have to manage huge amounts of funds and charge you a fee besides.MY ADVICE is (i) look at a range of market indices and decide upon what level of correction would give you the justification you need to get in & out of the market. It might be a 5-10% retracement or a break of trend. (ii) Diversify if you dont have an intimate knowledge of the company or management. More than 30% in one company is aggressive.

The NZ property market is shaping up as one of the most attractive property investment markets for the next few years. High yielding property and the collapse of the NZD make NZ the perfect counter-cyclical investment if you buy right! In addition, there is no capital gains tax, transfer taxes, VAT/GST or wealth taxes in NZ, so rest assured that NZ property is tax-effective! Learn more now!

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Over the years, this ebook has been enhanced with additional research to offer a comprehensive appraisal of the Japanese foreclosed property market, as well as offering economic and industry analysis. The author travels to Japan regularly to keep abreast of the local market conditions, and has purchased several foreclosed properties, as well as bidding on others. Japan is one of the few markets offering high-yielding property investment opportunities. Contrary to the 'rural depopulation' scepticism, the urban centres are growing, and they have always been a magnet for expatriates in Asia. Japan is a place where expats, investors (big or small) can make highly profitable real estate investments. Japan is a large market, with a plethora of cheap properties up for tender by the courts. Few other Western nations offer such cheap property so close to major infrastructure. Japan is unique in this respect, and it offers such a different life experience, which also makes it special. There is a plethora of property is depopulating rural areas, however there are fortnightly tenders offering plenty of property in Japan's cities as well. I bought a dormitory 1hr from Tokyo for just $US30,000.You can view foreclosed properties listed for as little as $US10,000 in Japan thanks to depopulation and a culture that is geared towards working for the state. I bought foreclosed properties in Japan and now I reveal all in our expanded 350+page report. The information you need to know, strategies to apply, where to get help, and the tools to use. We even help you avoid the tsunami and nuclear risks since I was a geologist/mining finance analyst in a past life. Check out the "feedback" in our blog for stories of success by customers of our previous reports.